Water From the Well (CD)
BMG RCA Victor 2000
09026-63637-2
Live over Ireland : Water From the Well (DVD )
Dream Chaser Productions
Eagle Rock Entertainment, 2000
by Sarah Adams
After collaboration with many different artists in other genres, it is nice to see the Chieftains return to their roots. However, they are not totally alone but they embark on a musical exploration of Ireland. They explore the richness of the well with their musical cousins including Barney McKenna, Altan, Belfast Harp Orchestra and the Kilfenora Ceili Band to name a few of the Irish musicians that appeared.
It beautifully represents the different styles of music from the many corners of Ireland. The album has at least one track representing a lively pub session, an O'Carolan tune and even a track representing the Ceili band tradition. From the strength of the album with its many flavors of traditional music, it proved to be a a wonderful journey. The listener can gain full appreciation of the tracks that appear on this album of the pieces that has have led to the development group's sound. Their journey allows a listener to discover the influences of a rich musical past for each Chieftain in their playing. The liner notes that come with the CD details each of the tracks and offers insights into their selection and a nice background on the planning that went into the album.
All the tracks on this album are strong representatives of the Irish tradition and for this reviewer, it was particularly difficult to pick one track over another. However there are several tracks that stand out for further comment.
The first track that comes to mind is the Kilfenora Set, it was recorded with the Kilfenora Ceili band in County Clare. Another legend of Irish music also joined the recording, the renowned fiddler, Tommy Peoples. Ironically, the two groups recording together brings back memories of my first introduction to Irish music. A good friend of mine, Cassie, sent me two tapes over 15 years ago. I recieved a copy of Ballad of the Irish Horse and Kilfenora Ceili Band. After listening to these two tapes, I was hooked to the beauty of the music and has inspired me to learn not only about Irish music but music from other parts of the world. Several members of the Chieftains played in Ceili bands in the 1960's in and around Dublin.
Two other songs of note are An Gaoth Aneas and The Donegal Set. First off, An Ghaoth Aneas is a beautifully haunting piece and this particular arrangement demonstrates its surreal beauty. It is one of my favorite tracks on the album along with Carolan's Concerto. It is interesting how their interpretation of both Carolan's Concerto and An Gaoth Aneas has changed since the 1960s when Paddy Moloney, Martin Fay and Seán Keane played it in Ceoltóiri Cualannn alongside former Chieftains Seán Potts, Michael Tubridy, and the late Peadar Mercier. The other track of note is The Donegal Set that they recorded with Altan, a group playing in the Donegal fiddling tradition. The Donegal-style of playing by Altan compliments the Chieftains and it proves to be a lively track. A listener even gets a taste of traditional music pub session as the Chieftains pay a call to Matt Molloy's pub to record a track.
The DVD is a nice treat for the eyes as the Chieftains take the viewer on a musical exploration of Ireland's incredible beauty, its quaint villages and bustling cities. The video films the recording of many of the album's tracks through various corners of Ireland. The tracks are beautifully matched to the countryside as they make their across Ireland with insertions of commentary from each of the band members as they reflect on Irish music, their careers, philosophical insights and their journeys both past and present. Another nice touch on the DVD is the inclusion of still photos showing highlights of their past accomplishments. The appearance of the feature on the DVD is in a letter box format which really allows the beauty of Ireland to shine through.
Some of the performances of note include recording at Matt Molloy's pub in Westport, appearance with the Belfast Harp Orchestra, a lively performance with the Kilfenora Ceili and their appearance with Van Morrison at a pub in Belfast. They also appear with Los Lobos at a performance in Dublin. It is nice to see this interaction between the Chieftains and Los Lobos as it is another highlight of their long journey.
The DVD also has bonus features showing some of the adventures surrounding the recording of the Santiago album and the Long Black Veil Medley titled as the Rocky Road to Dublin on the DVD. The DVD also has a narrative description of each track done by Paddy Moloney.
All in all this is great album for the ear and a wonderful musical journey around the Emerald Isle. The Chieftains have successfully returned to the well to make a great album and a successful DVD. The DVD compliments the album and offers an insight into the journey they have taken and the eyes and ears of the captive audience are along for the ride.